It is that time of year again. The holidays are upon us, and the New Year is quickly approaching, which means it is resolution time. Traditionally, people vow to lose weight and quit smoking at the start of every year and quickly fall by the wayside as soon as February arrives. This year, put a new spin on the old standbys with some of the most popular yet realistic New Year's resolutions that you can actually stick with all year long.
Spend Less
Spending less is a popular New Year's resolution. Easy ways to spend less money each day include buying generic items at the grocery store, studying your phone bill and using money-saving websites. Most generic items have the exact same ingredients as their name brand counterparts. Read the ingredients label before buying items that are more expensive. Landline and cellular phone plans have hidden expenses like maintenance and insurance that you do not need. Visit retailmenot.com before buying anything online. They have coupons for almost all major retail stores.
Save More
Instead of vowing to put 10 percent of your paycheck in savings each week like financial experts recommend, put an extra $10 in your savings account. It might not sound like much, but it is realistic and adds up to $520 each year.
Cut Back on Alcohol
Unless there is an addiction problem, occasional drinking is not that bad for you, and most people overindulge once in a while. Try to drink only on special occasions, weekends or holidays, and eat before or during the occasion. Eating slows down absorption and helps fill you up. Adding water in between drinks also helps.
Cut Back on Tobacco Products
Quitting tobacco products altogether is difficult. Most people attempt quitting 6 to 11 times before they actual quit. This year, promise yourself to cut back. If you smoke a pack a day, which is 20 cigarettes, cut back to 15. Smokeless tobacco users can take fewer dips or chews each day.
Eat Healthier
The U.S. food guide pyramid advises that adults eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This is a daunting task for someone who only eats one or two. Instead of trying to consume an extra four to seven servings every day, increase by one. That is only a half-cup of cooked vegetables or one cup of fresh vegetables or fruit.
Be More Active
Instead of vowing to lose weight, this more realistic, popular New Year's resolution focuses on a specific ways to get in shape. Ideally, everyone should exercise for 30 minutes each day. However, a sedentary person will not be able to keep that up for long. Try adding 5 minutes of activity to your daily routine every month. Physical activity includes cleaning house, dancing, walking, yard work and other chores. It is not just traditional sports or exercise; any activity that moves your body counts.
Spend More Time with Family
Being with your family 24/7 is impossible for working adults. Even one night a week is hard for families with busy schedules. Therefore, at the beginning of each month, plan a family "date night." Coordinate schedules and pick an activity. It may be as simple as going out to eat, renting a movie or playing a favorite game.